| Abstract: | Sequential analysis was used to compare the conflictual marital interactions of 17 physically aggressive (PAG), 15 verbally aggressive, 18 withdrawing, and 15 nondistressed, low-conflict (NDLC) couples to describe behavior patterns characteristic of couples who report different marital conflict styles. Videotapes of couples enacting typical conflicts in their own homes were coded with a system designed to capture the affective aspects of communication. PAG couples were characterized by the reciprocity of hostile affect and by rigid, highly contingent behavior patterns that were both stronger and longer lasting than those of other conflictual, but nonviolent, couples. In a limited way, NDLC couples demonstrated some of the same negative behavior patterns as the conflictual couples, but they were able to exit these negative interaction cycles quickly, which underscores the importance of further research into the de-escalation of conflict. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved) |
